Kate the All Black: Duchess of Cambridge dazzles in Jenny Packham cocktail dress in New Zealand

The Duchess of Cambridge dazzled in a stunning designer black cocktail dress today as her husband Prince William today spoke of his love of New Zealand at the most glamorous event of the royal tour so far.

Kate looked every inch a royal princess as she stepped out at a glitzy State reception in a Jenny Packham bespoke dress with silver ferns hand stitched beading – a tribute to her hosts national emblem.

The Queen has long incorporated an item of national importance in her outfits when on foreign tours - and it appears that the Duchess has now taken a leaf out of her book.

She and Prince William were attending a lavish State Reception thrown this evening by Governor General Sir Jerry Mateparae, the Queen’s representative in New Zealand, at his official residence, Government House.

The couple came down a grand wooden staircase together to be greeted by the Governor General, Sir Jerry, his wife, Lady Janine, and Mr Key and his wife Bronagh.

“When I returned to New Zealand for the first time as an adult in 2005, I came mainly to watch the All Blacks against the British and Irish Lions – the best way to be introduced to this sports-passionate nation.

“In subsequent visits, my affection and admiration for New Zealand has only deepened. In 2011, in Christchurch, your country underwent its worse crisis in modern history.

“I had the chance to witness just how stoically and selflessly the people of Christchurch responded to the appalling tragedy.

“Next week Catherine and I will have the chance to see how the city is coming back to life.”

Prince William began his speech by speaking Maori and joked afterwards ‘no mistakes just yet!’

He said: Rau rangatira mā o Aotearoa, Tēnā koutou katoa.

Translated this meant: Distinguished people of New Zealand, greetings to you all.

Afterwards he unveiled a portrait of The Queen by a New Zealand artist, Nick Cuthell, commissioned by the New Zealand Portrait Gallery to commemorate her Diamond Jubilee.

On the menu was parmesan and horopito shortbreads with Zany Zeus Feta and heirloom tomato, smoked and potted Lake Taupo trout with oatcakes and capers, oysters on ice with shallot and Chardonnay vinaigrette, braised Cardorona Merino lamb tarts with fresh mint, tomato and black olive.

There were also cocktail Paua fritters with garlic mayonaisse and pickled ginger, dressed Waikanae crab toasts with lime and herbs, Windsor Blue and beetroot risotto balls with green herb mayonaise, South Island rabbit pies and custard tarts with kiwifruit and kaffir lime.

Earlier the royal couple had left new royal star baby George in the care of his nanny and flown to Blenheim, the heartland of the country’s wine region, where they were given a rapturous welcome.

They also visited a war museum - the brainchild Lord of the Rings director Sir Peter Jackson - who showed the couple the collection of planes.

Once there William tried out the cockpit of a First World War biplane for size and took delivery of a present designed to see Prince George follow in his footsteps.

Helicopter pilot William sat in the cockpit of a replica of a Sopwith Pup biplane flown by one of New Zealand’s First World War aces, Malcolm ‘Mac’ McGregor.

William sits in the cockpit of an old Sopworth Pup single seater biplane as his wife looks on (Picture: Getty)
“It’s perfect,” he said during a visit with the Duchess of Cambridge to the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre in Blenheim, which houses Sir Peter Jackson’s extensive collection of Great War planes and memorabilia.. “Start her up.”

William, 31, had been invited to climb into a German Fokker triplane but turned down the chance out of patriotism. “I’m not climbing into a German plane but I’ll get into that Sopwith,” he said.

The Sopwith plane stayed firmly on the ground but he and Kate, who were shown around by Sir Peter, also climbed inside a Second World War Avro Anson Mark 1 bomber, the only surviving flyable one in the world.

Inside the museum, they were presented with a child size flying helmet, lined with possum skin, for Prince George.

Sir Peter, New Zealand’s most famous film maker, has been collecting First World War memorabilia since he was 12 and could not hide his enthusiasm showing the royal couple around the inside of the museum, which contains 20 of his planes displayed on dioramas depicting dramatic scenes from the conflict.

The royal couple also climbed inside a Second World War Avro Anson Mark 1 bomber, the only surviving flyable one in the world.

Earlier in Blenheim’s main square The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge delighted crowds as they embarked on their first walkabout of the royal tour today.

William and Kate pay their respects to New Zealand's war dead (Picture: Robin Nunn)
Faced with more than 5,000 cheering, flag waving fans, the couple plunged in to speak to as many members of the public as they could.

Many had waited for up to eight hours for the chance to say hello while others climbed trees for a better vantage point.

Kate in a military blue Alexander McQueen coat with her hair swept back in a looped ponytail styled by her personal hairdresser Amanda Cook Tucker.

She wore a pair of diamond and sapphire earrings which match her engagement ring and clutched a navy blue purse in the same hue as her suede pumps.

As she spoke with young mothers in the crowd, one baby wearing a green knitted hat burst in tears.

Another mother had an embarrassing moment when her nine-month-old son sneezed all over the Duchess.

Vicky King, 38, said: "I was holding Alton and he sneezed because he has got a bit of a cold at the moment. She got a bit of a fright - she said “Oh!”

The Royal couple stood solemnly as the Last Post was played and the Ode of Remembrance recited.

A wreath of red carnations and roses was waiting for William to place on the memorial which bore a card written by the prince saying: ‘Never forgetting those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.’

Fashion verdict by Karen Dacre

The Duchess of Cambridge enlisted London-based occasion wear designer Jenny Packham to create the long-sleeve crepe cocktail gown she wore to attend a reception in New Zealand today.

Hand beaded with a crystal fern motif, it was a wise choice with which the she was able to pay respect to the country she and her family are currently visiting.

Typically for Kate, who has long demonstrated an affection for playing it safe with her wardrobe choices, this was conservative choice that oozed with all the propriety one would expect from a royal. But it was flattering too. The demi-boater neckline allowed her an elegant silhouette while the loose, fluid cut flattered her svelte physique.

Since her early days in the spotlight the former Miss Middleton has always gravitated towards designers who possess the ability to celebrate the female form with their clothes with her wedding dress creator Sarah Burton -creative director of Alexander McQueen -among her most trusted.

Choosing a bespoke Burton creation to attend a memorial service, the Duchess flew a flag for the very best of British design. The creation, a belted coat complete with patch pockets and swinging inset pleats, celebrated her waistline whilst allowing her look a demure and somehow playful appeal.

This was beautifully crafted, elegant tailoring which sang with contemporary appeal.